I am new to chickens and joined here planning to start off with an introduction post or a breed confirmation/gender post... however plans being what they are... things changed. I now have a sick chick (Bernie) who needs some help.

What is wrong? What symptoms have you noted? - As much detail as possible please.ANSWER: stopped eating yesterday. Refusing to eat or drink this morning. Very lethargic, lying down with eyes closed until warmed up by me this morning. Feathers are rumpled and untended.

What are you feeding? - Please list everything you're feeding to your birds, including type of basic feed, free ranging, scraps, extras, etc. If possible give approximate percentages.ANSWER: they are fed chick starter, some meal worms over the last week as a treat, and has been out in the back garden with long grass and areas to scratch.

Full droppings description.- colour, consistency, frequency, offensive smell.ANSWER: unknown, has been with four other chicks purchased at the same time.

Describe your usual worming routine and products. [If none, say so and skip the next 3 worming questions.] Do you have a cycle that you use eg. every 3 months, or every six months?ANSWER: none, was informed to worm them at three months.

Other changes? – additions to the flock, diet, housing, extreme weatherANSWER: only been here since just after Christmas. Has been kept inside a dog crate with the other chicks in the garage since arrival, with free range trips into the back yard during the day for acclimatisation.

I still have to figure out how to upload photos using the iPad, so no photos currently. Sorry!

Thanks for any and all help/advice

Sam

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If you have any medication for coccidiosis then I’d administer that. Coccidiosis is a gut infection caused by a single celled organism. Chicks pick it up from the ground. Most develop immunity to it. It’s a possibility in this case.

What Rach said - use Amprollium from the pet or produce store or Baycox from vet. Treat as urgent and also treat your other chicks. Coccidiosis breeds in damp conditions - eg damp litter, soil, around water bowl etc

I found a miniature (needle-less) syringe which appears to be working. I’m just doing a little at a time and trying to get more fluids in regularly. The other chicks have also started on their course of meds, which will hopefully help reduce the chances of them getting sick as well.

Unfortunately Bernie didn’t make it. I have one very heart broken little boy who needed to have it explained that sometimes even when you do all the right things sometimes it is not enough.

However, while it was caught too late for Bernie, the other four chicks still appear hale and hearty. All eating well and taking the meds well also.

We did notice this morning that while is was a heavy suspicion that Squeak was a boy, it is pretty much a guarantee now. My son was pointing out the lovely matching wattles he has begun to sprout, as well as his already developing comb! Squeak has a lovely set of black and white mixed feathers coming in, he’s bound to become a handsome lad once fully feathered!

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